BJD Launches Save Mahanadi Campaign

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal today launched of its Mahanadi Suraksha Abhiyan (Save Mahanadi campaign) to create awareness about threat to 15 districts of the State by construction of barrages by the Chhattisgarh government.

Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik today flagged off the campaign from Sukhasoda village under Lakhanpur block in Jharsuguda district.

The sleepy village was abuzz with activity with hundreds of locals conversing at the meeting place where Patnaik addressed the gathering.

“The Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha. We will not allow its water diversion by the neighbouring state”, he said while addressing the gathering.

The ongoing dispute between Odisha and Chattishgarh government over Mahanadi river water has snowballed into a major political issue. The ruling BJD has apparently cashed in on Mahanadi water dispute as a major poll issue.

The party will organise a series of padyatras, public meetings and cultural programmes in all blocks and towns in as many as 45 Assembly constituencies spread over 15 districts of the State during the campaign. The campaign will conclude at Paradip where Chief Minister will speak in public meeting.

The BJD had earlier organised campaign in the past after the State government had opposed construction of barrages over the Mahanadi by the Chhattisgarh government in 2016.